The Greek Orthodox Community of Australia will celebrate the Holy Epiphany this weekend, true to its tradition, benefiting from the warm weather.

As always, the epicentre of the traditional celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in Victoria will be the Church of Holy Epiphany in Frankston.

Over 3000 people are expected to visit Frankston Waterfront today (Saturday 6 January 2018) to celebrate the annual Blessing of the Waters.

The Divine Liturgy is scheduled to take place at 7.30 am, officiated by Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, who will also throw the Holy Cross in the waters of Frankston beach, for the parishe’s youth to retrieve.

The annual event festivities will carry on till the evening with the local council and parish extending the invitation to everyone.

Another ceremony will take place on Saturday in Rye, following the eucharistic blessing service at the Orthodox Church in Red Hill. Father Eleftherios Tatsis will form a procession at Rye jetty and perform the Blessing of the Waters. A festival of music and dancing will be held on the foreshore afterwards.

The ceremony of Theofania, following Epiphany Day, will culminate with the Blessing of the Waters at Princes Pier in Port Melbourne. This is a combined celebration for all Parishes in Melbourne celebrated by Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis and Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis together with all the Clergy of Melbourne.

Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis tossing the wooden cross from Princes Pier in Port Melbourne on the 12th day after Christmas.

The annual ceremony celebrating the visit of the three kings to the Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles will be officiated by Bishop Ezekiel at 1pm but festivities will keep on well into the night and hundreds of faithful are expected to attend this year.

The Blessing of the Waters ceremony will be commencing 1:00pm sharp and will be followed by music, dancing and activities for children until late afternoon. Also, food and drink will be available at the Pier together with a variety of other stalls.

NSW In Sydney, the ceremony of the Blessing of the Waters will be officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, with thousands of people expected to attend. On Sunday there will be Matins and a Divine Liturgy from 7.30 am followed by Epiphany Festival and ‘Blessing of the Waters’ at Yarra Bay.

WAThe Greek Orthodox Parishes of Perth with the Holy Monastery of St. John of the Mountain are hosting the annual Epiphany Celebration on the foreshore of the Swan River at Matilda Bay Reserve with the retrieval of the Holy Cross from the Waters on Sunday 7 January 2018. Service Commences at 12:30pm and parking around the site will be available for parishioners. The Archdiocese has installed tents for shade and protection for the heatwave. There will also be stalls offering souvlakia & sausage Sizzle from 11:00am, as well as cold drinks, sweets and a jumping castle for children. Strong swimmers over the age of 15 and who are interested in swimming for the Holy Cross are to contact Fr Elpidios on 0407 260 071